I have a 96 Legacy Wagon (EJ22) that I changed timing belt on (counted belt teeth and done correctly) and had to replace a head gasket. Although it sounds like it runs great I smell the slight odor of unburnt gas at start up. My gas mileage is 25 mpg's at best in both cold or hot weather. I moved my knock sensor around to see if this would make a difference and it did not help the problem. Any ideas what the culprit might be? It was getting 31 mpg's before I changed the belt. It has 144,000 miles on it.:-\

Thhrrrptttt no pity here.

 

Check tire pressures. CHeck the fuel rail hoses to the injectors. Did you replace the plugs?

 

Smell of fuel is usually a leaky hose, most likely to a fuel injector.

There is another post on here today w/the smell of fuel. His was a loose plug wire, but he had a rough idle.

 

I'd check your plugs and wires - easy stuff - first.

 

Check for vac leaks?

 

Was the HG replaced w/engine in the car? Just wondering if all the 'stuff' got reconnected if it was pulled.

 

No CEL's correct?

 

Td